NEW TRANSIT LINE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

The new Southwest Side rapid-transit line is on budget and ahead of schedule, according to city officials.

They say $165 million worth of contracts will have been awarded, be pending or be out for bid by year-end. Included in the figure-which represents about one-third of the line`s total cost-are contract awards for construction of four stations, aerial guideway sections and the procurements of items such as rail, ties, substation equipment and lighting systems. The new line, being built by the city`s Department of Public Works, will run for nine miles between Midway Airport and downtown. Its opening is scheduled for late 1992.